There are very few greater instances of the amazing tales we get to be a part of as they develop than animal rescue, especially for special needs cats. This is one of the true benefits of broad access to and usage of social media. Social media has undoubtedly helped along the road in the sector of animal rescue, foster care, rehabilitation, and adoption.
You need to look no further than Pinocchio if you’re feeling unsure. Pinocchio is a strange cat that has faced many challenges and gone through a medical roller coaster, but he is still living his finest cat life due to Friends for Life Rescue Network.
Jacqueline Santiago of Friends for Life Rescue Network spotted a picture of a kitten in the summer of 2020 with clear congenital flaws.
The rescue group took the cat in even though they were first unsure of his exact condition. He arrived underfed, dehydrated, and flea-infested, Jacqueline said at the time.
Pinocchi was then three months old but still the size of a five to six-week-old kitten.
The kitten was admitted to FFLRN with “a huge umbilical hernia that will require surgical correction, a crossbite causing his canines to stab into his lower jaw (would require removal), malformed nose, and maybe hydrocephalus,” among other medical complications.
Mel Lamprey offered to foster the kitten after realizing how much medical attention and therapy the cat will require.
Mel has been fostering for more than three years nonstop and has previously taken in several long-term, medically challenging foster children.
One day, Pinocchio, or Poke as they affectionately call him, will be adopted.
Sadly, he is not currently available for adoption due to his complicated medical requirements.
The fact that Poke doesn’t need as many medical needs has been extensively discussed by Friends for Life and Mel to their respective audiences. COVID-related challenges have undoubtedly slowed down development. But, he will part ways with Mel and Friends for Life once he is sound and ready for his lifelong residence.
He is, however, sincerely adored by Mel and her boyfriend, and it is clear that he is a content, lovely, and a charming cat who is unaffected by the difficulties life has thrown his way.
In the past year alone, Pinocchio has coped with a number of medical difficulties, including
“Possible neurological difficulties, enlarged heart, heart murmur, collapsed lung lobe, tenting of the head, deviated septum, chronic upper respiratory infections,”
He is, in Mel’s words, “a wonderfully joyful boy who likes everyone — other humans, other cats, and dogs.”
Jacqueline stated in an interview with The Dodo:
“He runs up to anyone who enters the room and climbs up to their shoulder to perch. He rubs on you, loves to play and bounces around.”
Mel says:
“I can’t believe how much this strong boy has been through, and he still has his ‘I’m great, I can do anything attitude!’”
Pinocchio could have a different appearance and have to face certain health challenges.
It’s also very obvious that he’s a cat just like any other cat, so it’s wonderful that Friends for Life and Mel have been able to share updates with his loyal followers and raise awareness of the ups and downs of foster care for cats with medical issues.
Mel writes:
This is referred to as Pinocchio’s “Fraggle angle.” And I apologize if you missed it since you don’t know what a Fraggle is.
Three cheers for Pinocchio
You can follow Pinocchio on Instagram, but don’t forget to check out Friends for Life Rescue Network, and Mel’s Foster Wish List to help animals in need.
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